How To Make A New Year’s Resolution That Won’t Be A Total Failure

Pffft… yeah. Want to see me jog? I can do it all the way to the freezer. Where I keep my ice cream.

And I’ve been debating making a New Year’s Resolution. They’re typically just these huge sweeping statements that we all make, with a twinkling light in our eyes, that are promptly forgotten in about three weeks.

Or less.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Resolutions don’t have to be empty promises that we make to ourselves as we carry around a champagne flute and a bacon-wrapped sausage.

I was thinking about this – as I debated the worthiness of New Year’s Resolutions – and realized, “If we turn a resolution into a goal, then suddenly, they can actually happen!”

And a goal is only a goal when it meets three criteria: it has to be specific, achievable, and have a timeline.

1. A resolution can’t be something that is completely undefined.

These are my specialties. “I’m going to be more spontaneous” or “I’m going to lose weight” or “I’m going to be more organized”.

These are all great ideas. And they have about a zero percent chance of happening.

I usually say these things when I’m feeling bored, or maybe I don’t love the way last year’s dress is looking today. I sometimes make a salad on that day. Or I’ll take the kids to the beach. The motivation typically crashes and burns immediately after that.

Instead, the resolution has to be specific. “I’m going to complete a 5K run” or “I’m going to clean out the linen closet” or “I’m going to make a point of taking the kids on a cool outing once a month”.

It can’t be a big vague space that is likely to remain empty.

2. Your goal has to be achievable.

Or else, what’s the frigging point?

You’re going to run a marathon this year? That’s a nice idea. Butttt…. unless you’re already running half-marathons or are extremely fit… then perhaps you should start with a smaller distance.

I know, I know. This kind of defeats the purpose of a “Year’s” resolution. But, if you want this resolution to stick, you’ve got to put some pressure on yourself to achieve it.

I also find that telling someone what you’re going to do can be a big help. Having Mr. Suburble remind me, “Hey, weren’t you going to stop wearing yoga pants for the month of January?” can keep me on track.

But that’s not my resolution. That’s crazy-talk.

And so, to practice what I preach, I’m going to set a couple of resolutions that follow the rules:

Resolution 1:To cook at least one new recipe per week for my family. We need to try new things, and I’m the only one who can make sure that happens.

Resolution 2:To involve my children in at least two crafty/culinary projects per month on the blog. They love it, and lately, I haven’t been bringing out my A game when we’ve been creative together. It’s time to change that.

Resolution 3: I want to take guitar lessons. I am resolving that I will have started guitar lessons by the end of February. If you haven’t seen a picture of me awkwardly clutching a guitar by Feb 28th, I’m asking you to call me on it!I’m bound and determined to be able to have a guitar around the campfire this summer.

And that’s it! That is what I hope to achieve in 2014.

What about you? Are you resolving to do something?

And have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve – Auld Lang Syne and all that jazz to you and yours!

WelcomeI'm Tara. This is a space for me to share my "makes" as well as my messes. I love beautiful things, funny people, and a good cup of tea. If I can drag my children into my creative ventures, I will. If they haven't inherited craftiness, they'll learn it!

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Chrissy

Tara

Amanda McCellon

Love your resolutions/goals. I wasn’t going to make any – but you’ve inspired me to set a few. One being to bake one new item a week – and make sure to involve the whole family. We need more positive family time that doesn’t involve the television or us all with our noses pressed to some sort of screen! Happy New Year!

Bette@ somerset Lane

I’m with you, my resolutions last until about Feb 14th or so. This year I joined a program to work out and learn to eat better. It should take me to about April 12th, which is obviously after my usual FEb 14th.

Dani @ lifeovereasy

Tara

Well, you’re pretty fabulous, so I don’t know that you have too many resolutions to choose from! I will admit that I was very gun-shy about making a resolution this year. Sometimes I feel as though we’re all just setting ourselves up for failure.;)

Shauna

Your resolutions sound achievable, and I love how you’re involving your kids. I tried to learn the guitar on my own, but apparently I’m not a natural. I’ll stick to the piano (and even that’s questionable!). Happy New Year!

Tara

Mel

Happy new year, I never make New Years resolutions ever! Being perfect is enough for me (yeah right) I just like to set goals in 3 steps and complete them before moving on to the next. Good luck with the guitar!